As the 2025-2026 ski season draws to a close, many skiers are wondering when they can still enjoy the slopes. Every year, French ski resorts gradually close their ski areas between the end of March and the beginning of May. However, the closing dates of ski resorts vary depending on altitude, the exposure of the slopes, and especially the snow conditions.<\/p>\n
For spring ski enthusiasts, some high-altitude resorts remain open particularly late. They therefore represent an excellent solution for enjoying the last descents, sometimes during the spring holidays and until the beginning of May.<\/p>\n
Ski resort closures do not take place on a single date. Each resort sets its own schedule based on its altitude, snow conditions, and infrastructure.<\/p>\n
For the 2025-2026 season, several major ski resorts in the Alps have chosen to extend their operations until the beginning of May. This is the case, in particular, of Tignes, Val d\u2019Is\u00e8re and Val Thorens-Orelle. The Tignes resort had therefore planned a closure on May 3, 2026. The official schedule also indicated that the ski resort connected to Tignes-Val d\u2019Is\u00e8re would remain open at that time. In Val d\u2019Is\u00e8re, the ski area was also announced to remain open until May 3, 2026. However, the resort specified that these forecasts could change depending on the snow conditions and safety conditions. On the other hand, in Val Thorens, the ski resort of Val Thorens-Orelle was also scheduled to remain open until May 3, 2026. The resort was also organizing its \u00abGrande Derni\u00e8re\u00bb (Last Great Race) event on May 2 and 3, 2026. These resorts are among the preferred destinations for skiing in the late season.<\/p>\n
Altitude plays an essential role in the opening time of a ski resort. The higher the slopes are located, the lower the temperatures remain and the longer the snow can be kept fresh.<\/p>\n
The large altitude stations therefore have a significant advantage when spring arrives. This is especially true for areas where a large part of the slopes are located above 2,000 meters.<\/p>\n
The piste layout is also a determining factor. A north-facing piste can retain quality snow for longer than a sector exposed to full sun. Resorts can thus keep certain sectors open while others are already closed.<\/p>\n
The presence of glaciers is also an asset for certain destinations. Tignes, for example, benefits from a high-altitude area and a glacier that allows for extending skiing in good conditions as the season progresses.<\/p>\n
If you want to ski in April or enjoy a last weekend on the slopes at the beginning of May, several destinations are particularly interesting.<\/p>\n
Tignes is one of the French resorts renowned for its long winter season. For the winter of 2025-2026, the resort was scheduled to be open until May 3, 2026. The resort offered a \u00abClosing\u00bb period from April 25 to May 3, among other things.<\/p>\n
Its altitude and the presence of the Grande Motte glacier allow Tignes to maintain favorable conditions for late-night skiing.<\/p>\n
Connected to Tignes within a vast ski area, Val d\u2019Is\u00e8re also planned a closure on May 3, 2026.<\/p>\n
The station indicated that all of its sectors should remain accessible for skiing until that date, while specifying that openings could be adjusted depending on snow conditions and safety.<\/p>\n
The end of the season is often a period that is appreciated by skiers who seek more tranquility on the slopes.<\/p>\n
Val Thorens is also among the French resorts with a very long season. For the winter 2025-2026, the Val Thorens-Orelle resort was announced to be open until May 3, 2026.<\/p>\n
Thanks to its particularly high altitude, Val Thorens is regularly cited as one of the preferred destinations for spring skiing.<\/p>\n
The resort also takes advantage of this period to organize end-of-season events. In 2026, \u00abLa Grande Derni\u00e8re\u00bb was scheduled for May 2 and 3, just before the resort closed.<\/p>\n
Chamonix operates differently. The valley has several ski resorts and their schedules are not necessarily identical.<\/p>\n
It is therefore important to check the chosen sector before booking a stay or traveling. The Grands Montets, for example, enjoy a high altitude and have traditionally been one of the preferred areas for spring skiing.<\/p>\n
The diversity of the areas in Chamonix allows you to enjoy the mountains at different times of the year, but the opening hours can vary greatly from one area to another.<\/p>\n